Emma Slater RVT

Veterinary Technician Program

The veterinary technician program has an arrangement with the SPCA de l’Outaouis to obtain dogs and cats from their shelter for teaching purposes. While at our facility the animals are spayed or neutered and our students benefit by having the opportunity to work with live animals. The original agreement with the SPCA called for us to return the animals to the shelter in the hopes that they would then find adoptive homes. It was very difficult for students and staff to send these animals back to the shelter, not being sure of what lay ahead for them. Emma Slater took it upon herself to organize and implement, virtually single-handedly, a formal adoption program at Algonquin College. To the best of my knowledge we are the only veterinary technician program in Ontario that displays this degree of commitment to the ethical treatment of animals. Emma carries out the majority of this work on her own time, including evenings and weekends. She is committed, diligent and enthusiastic about ensuring each animal has the best opportunity for adoption. Her dedication to this work is a wonderful example to our students and faculty.

Nominated by: Dr. Anne Downes

Presented on: March14, 2012